We need to start taking our chances – Rowett

GARY Rowett bemoaned missed opportunities after Birmingham City were dumped out of the EFL Cup by League One side Oxford United.

The manager was happy with the chances his side created but insists they must do better in front of goal if they are to achieve their ambitions this season.

He said: “We get into some liant positions. I can’t fault work-rate or our endeavour.

“It was a much-changed team but I thought we equipped ourselves well. We made nine changes and they only made one.

“It was a lack of quality in the final third. We didn’t take our chances.”

The game mirrored the one against Cardiff City on Saturday meaning that Rowett’s men have now gone 210 minutes without scoring a goal this season.

But the manager insists they are doing everything right, just not finding the net.

“I thought we worked hard and looked solid.

“For 119 minutes we kept a clean sheet, but we conceded a sloppy goal.

“It was a lack of care and ruthlessness in the final third.

“The positives are: we’ve got a real solid feel to our squad.

“The negatives are: we’ve got to start taking some of these chances.”

As he said, there were positives for Rowett though as he was able to hand Jack Storer and Josh Cogley their first competitive starts in a Blues jersey.

“Josh Cogley did well in first start and Viv (Solomon-Otabor) was a real handful at times.

“We get into some crossing positions at some points but we’ve got to do better.” brilour

Rowett has forked out a hefty sum to bring Sheffield United attacker Che Adams to the club, and he will be hoping for an instant return on his investment with rivals for that striking spot looking completely shot of confidence.

“Goals are the one thing that we are lacking, but that’s what every team wants.

“That’s why Adams.

He scored 12 goals as 19-year-old in League One last year so who knows what he’s capable of. We’re hoping he can develop during his time with us.” we bought Che